LONGVIEW, Wash. — Authorities in Washington state have arrested a man they say kidnapped his girlfriend in Montana and led police on a high-speed chase after she escaped and called for help.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office says 35-year-old Joseph Crowell, of Montana, is being held for investigation of kidnapping, assault and other charges. He was taken into custody after he fled from deputies and rammed two patrol cars head-on.
Deputy Chief Charlie Rosenzweig says Amber Smelt called 911 Wednesday to report that she had been kidnapped the day before and forced to drive with him to Washington. She had been reported as a missing or endangered person out of Flathead County.
He says she was driving when she escaped by striking the car against a guardrail on Interstate 5 near Castle Rock and running away.
She told police that Crowell had assaulted her and her aunt.